1963, Bruce McLaren: Champion racer

At 22, Bruce McLaren was the youngest driver to win a Grand Prix. (NZ Herald Archive)

Racing driver Bruce McLaren would have been a serious contender for the Herald New Zealander of the Year in 1959 - when at the age of 22 he became the youngest driver to win a Formula 1 Grand Prix - and 1960 - when he was runner-up in the world championship.

In 1963 he was more than just a contender, he could not be ignored for the honour, as this was the year he founded the motor racing team which, under his name, went on to become one of the most successful in history.

McLaren Racing Limited - which races as Vodafone McLaren Mercedes - has just celebrated its 50th anniversary and boasts that, since it made its Formula 1 debut at Monaco in 1966, it has won more Grand Prix races than any other marque.

Some of the greatest names in motor racing have driven for McLaren in its distinguished history which includes 12 drivers' championships and eight constructors' championships.